The Obama effect - The extent of Obama’s effect on the travel industry could be far-reaching.  Some areas of potential influence include stablilizing fuel prices, revisiting airport security, more ’sane’ policies related to travel, and even easing restrictions on travel to Cuba.  This is only a start, or course, and the real impact remains to be seen over the coming months and years.

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Twas the night before Christmas, and far out at sea
Our vessel was sailing, as smooth as could be

The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs
With hope that St. Nicholas would find them out there

The children were nestled all snug in their uppers
Having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper

And ma and myself, we were covered in aloe
A bit too much sun, in a pool, warm and shallow

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Booking an all-inclusive vacation does not have to also mean that you are taking a vacation from healthy eating habits.  Here are some tips for tackling the buffets and coming home feeling relaxed AND healthy:

• Research Local Specialties - In a foreign country, we sometimes encounter dishes that look delicious but are otherwise a mystery.  Knowing how they are made will make it easier for you to manage your meals when you are there.
• Healthier Happy Hour - Stay away from cocktails that are creamy or have a high sugar content.   Drinks made with pure fruit juices are a good alternative, and staying hydrated with water throughout the day is a must.  Some good choices include Sangria, a Marguerita, or a Mohito.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Burlington, Ontario - December 10, 2008) Kevin Visser of Travelonly has been designated as a Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Cruise Counsellor after recently completing the organization’s certification requirements.  Kevin Visser is now recognized within the cruise industry as an Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC).

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A tourist is traveling with a guide through one of the thickest jungles in South America, when he comes across an ancient Mayan temple. The tourist is entranced by the temple, and asks the guide for details. To this, the guide states that archaeologists are carrying out excavations, and still finding great treasures. The tourist then queries how old the temple is.

“This temple is 1503 years old”, replies the guide.

Impressed at this accurate dating, he inquires as to how he gave this precise figure.

“Easy”, replies the guide, “the archaeologists said the temple was 1500 years old, and that was three years ago”

Did you know that you are protected when you book with a TICO registered Travel Agency in the province of Ontario? 

(December 8, 2008) TICO’s Board of Directors approved payment of $75,711.98 assisting 71 consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid. The payments were necessitated by the closure of five travel companies including two airlines, Aloha and Zoom.

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What could be more exciting than opening presents on Christmas morning? How about this: getting a call from Mickey Mouse announcing the gift of a 2009 Walt Disney World vacation?

Until December 23, 2008,  guests who book their 2009 vacations to Walt Disney World Resort can sign up to receive a call from Mickey Mouse on Christmas Day, surprising their family with the vacation news.

To schedule a surprise call from Mickey, visit www.mickeyholidaycall.com from now until Dec. 23, and enter your booking number to register.  Bookings made between November 28, 2008 and December 23, 2008 are eligible for the call.

Running a fundraising auction or raffle?  Rewarding top employees or customers?  Looking for a great gift?

A travel certificate is one of the most desirable awards that you can receive, and Carnival Cruise Lines has an excellent program in place that makes it very easy for you to give them.  You can buy pre-paid cruise certificates from your travel agent (that’s me) in 6 different categories for any cruise length. They start at as low as a few hundred dollars, are valid for 18 months, can be upgraded, and are very flexible.

Read all about Carnival’s Preferred Awards program HERE, and see the pricing HERE (prices listed are for TWO passengers and are valid until Jan 31, 2009).   Please contact me with any questions or if you would like to purchase one or more certificates, and makes someone’s day (or year!) by sending them on a cruise!